For some, it is an opportunity; for others, a threat to genuine creativity.
Either way, the effect of artificial intelligence on the film industry is sparking debate at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Al Jazeera's Charlie Angela reports on how the technology is already being used and what the future could hold.

Cannes

The release of Open AI's ChatGPT has accelerated the development of artificial intelligence and warnings about its impact on society.

Rise of AI

Will AI threaten the movie industry?

At the Cannes Film Festival, artificial intelligence is taking centre stage. In the new Indiana Jones film, AI has de-aged 80-year-old Harrison Ford by 35 years, achieved by combing through decades-old footage of Ford, proving there are no relics. It's just a trick, unless it's supported by story. If it's not honest and it's not real, I mean emotionally real. And so I think it was used very skillfully. I'm very happy with it. But I don't look back and say, I wish I was that guy. AI has long been a source of inspiration for cinema, from Metropolis to The Matrix, the cult dystopian film in which AI has created a simulated world. But it's behind the camera where AI will now influence what we see in cinemas. Hollywood studios are already investing in AI to inform on release dates, marketing and distribution strategies. While in the Cannes film market, producers seeking funds are putting their scripts through an algorithm to determine return on investment. The AI programme has analysed 400,000 film scripts to understand the most popular storylines, predict audience reaction and potential revenue. We have content tools, casting tools, financial forecast tools, demographics tools. But I guess one thing that people are always curious about is the financial predictions. What's the accuracy for financial predictions? So we measure green lighting accuracy, which is around 80%. So 80% of the time it finds the film that will be successful, which is superior to the industry track recording. But Cannes' independent producers are concerned purely using AI will decrease the overall quality of films. And if you look at a lot of streaming services, all right, and the reason why all their content, no matter what language it's in, is all the same way is because it hits the algorithm's point. It takes away a little of the agency out of the filmmaker's hands. If we strike a balance between allowing that human initiative and that human genius to shine through and giving investors a return on their investment, well, you know, again, there has to be a happy balance. AI will transform visual effects far beyond de-aging, cutting time, resources and ultimately costs. But the industry is mindful that while algorithms can create scripts, generate new worlds and make predictions, they may lack the unique perspective and emotional depth that comes from human creativity. Charlie Angela, Al Jazeera, Canada.

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Canberra

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Dnipro

Ukraine Invasion

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Israel-Gaza War

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Seoul

South Korea government to compromise on medical reforms

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Israel strikes targets in Iran: Sources

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Council of the City of Sydney

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North Sulawesi

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Caracas

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New Delhi

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Brussels

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Dubai

Climate Crisis

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Bondi

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Jerusalem

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Rise of AI